U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth sparked debate Thursday after attributing recruitment hurdles to the quality of American youth, stating many are “too fat or too stupid” to serve. While he quickly corrected himself, Hegseth blamed poor education, criminal records, and medical conditions like ADHD for the narrowing pool of eligible candidates.
Despite these challenges, he praised recruiters for achieving “historic recruiting numbers” that align with President Donald Trump’s current administration priorities.
The Secretary emphasized a return to military “basics,” arguing the armed forces must prioritize lethality over “social engineering stuff that looks like college campuses.”
Hegseth insisted that the military is a “warfighting entity, not a woke institution,” stressing a focus on meritocracy and discipline. He also introduced the “Department of War Golden Rule,” urging commanders to lead their formations with the same standard of readiness they would demand for their own children.
To honor current service members, Hegseth announced a $1,776 “warrior dividend” for approximately 1.45 million active-duty troops and reservists. He described the payment as a “meaningful reflection of the gratitude that we have for all of you.”
Closing his remarks, he noted that high recruitment figures serve as a vital “feedback loop,” reflecting the American people’s renewed confidence in both civilian and military leadership under the current presidency.